Time to get town’s high street flourishing again

For me, nothing captures Gosport’s community spirit like our market. A wander through its bustling stalls – selling anything from garden ornaments to thermal underwear – gives you a real sense of the area’s vibrancy and character.

It’s a contrast to some days on the high street. Despite boasting some great shops, much of our town centre is suffering from the malaise affecting high streets up and down the country.

Tough economic times and the increase in internet shopping have caused the number of vacant units to rise – and with 13 per cent of jobs in Gosport relying on retail, we need to reverse this trend.

That’s why I’m campaigning for Gosport to be chosen to pilot new proposals for kick-starting high street success. Retail star Mary Portas has delivered her verdict on how our town centres can be rejuvenated and Gosport would be the ideal test case.